Panic Disorder
At least 1.6 percent of adult Americans, or 3 million people, will have panic disorder at some time in their lives. Panic disorder is a serious health problem and is very different from other types of anxiety. Panic attacks are sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling. If you have panic disorder, you may feel suddenly terrified for no reason. During a panic attack, you also have scary physical feelings like a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, or dizziness.
Panic attacks can happen at any time and any place without warning. Many people with panic disorder develop intense anxiety between episodes. It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations.
It usually starts when people are young adults, around 18 to 24 years old. Sometimes it starts when a person is under a lot of stress, for example after the death of a loved one or after having a baby. Anyone can have panic disorder, but more women than men have the illness. It sometimes runs in families.
Speaking to a specially trained doctor or counselor who can teach you ways to cope with your panic attacks helps many people with panic disorder. Therapy will help you feel less afraid and anxious. Thanks to research, there are a variety of treatments available, including several effective medications, and also specific forms of psychotherapy. Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medications produces good results.
It is extremely important for a person suffering from panic disorder to understand that help is available. Tragically, many people with panic disorder do not seek or receive treatment.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the agency of the U.S. government responsible for improving the mental health of the American people by supporting research on the brain and mental disorders and by increasing public understanding of these conditions and their treatment. NIMH is sponsoring a major information campaign to acquaint the public and health care professionals with this disorder.
Tommy Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/panic-disorder-96780.html
Anxiety Help is Everywhere Including Online
If you have anxiety, the most common questions are how and where to get help and what help is available. Fortunately, there are quite a few good options available.
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1- Ask your friends and family: Often, sharing your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or family member can bring relief or help you put things in perspective. This is because your beloveds are usually the nearest to you and can give you the first-hand support.
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2- Read books: If you’ve a taste for reading, books offer the best support by saving you a lifetime’s search and changing your life positively. Go to your local library, ask your doctor / counselor, and search online. Just be sure of what type of read you’re exactly looking for. Learn as much as you can as education is the key in managing your fears.
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3- Join Anxiety Support Groups: Talking to others with the same problem can often make you feel a lot better. Therefore, groups can be a great way of meeting and connecting with people who really know what you’re going through. They also offer lots of helpful tips and advice to help you deal with your attacks. Support groups can be located by doing an on-line search for your specific geographical territory or through your local phone directory.
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4- Find crises lines: Crisis lines can be an effective tool for management of severe anxiety. There are counselors who are well-trained and well-equipped to walk you through an episode of anxiety. Crises lines are also an excellent avenue for finding other resources you may need such as anxiety support groups, the nearest emergency rooms etc. You can find the crisis line number in any phone book, or by searching online.
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5- Search for institutes and organizations: There are many government and private institutes and organizations which provide free knowledge on anxiety. These, for example, include Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Institute of Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America; all present lots of solo and combined counseling and psychiatric services.
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6- Go online: There are several useful websites dedicated to providing information, relief, and support for those suffering or recovering from anxiety. Such sites usually contain self-help strategies and self tests to fight anxiety. There are online-therapies, anxiety management techniques and courses available. You can also sign-up for newsletters, blogs, mailing lists / web rings and forums to share your own and view others’ views on the same.
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7- Try audiovisual support: According to some clinical studies, audiovisual distraction is the most effective means of managing the anxiety especially in children. You can also find some wonderful tapes and CD’s that have many different kinds of meditations, yoga or relaxation techniques.
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8- Approach counselors or psychologists: A professional counselor or a psychologist, who is on call 24 hours a day, can help you assess your anxiety level. You can also learn and practice relaxation techniques. Often, counseling can help you to identify thought patterns that worsen your anxiety and generate more positive ways to think about your life.
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9- Consult your doctor or psychiatrist: While many think that medications should be the last resort for tackling anxiety, at times, you may need a health care professional to find out whether you need a medicine to manage your symptoms. However, do remember, it is always yours choice whether or not to pursue medical treatment. In short, dealing with anxiety attacks can be challenging but by trying different approaches you should be able to find one that is best for you. The good news is, if managed properly, the treatment of anxiety is often successful. Therefore, get help as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can recover.
By: Chris Apple (Download Natural Treatment for Anxiety Now!)
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